Search the Community

Let me give you an example of what happened to me - I went from this (June of 2006 to January 2007) to that. See the difference? I was at my weight that I am now in June, and by November, I went from 195 to 248! Man, talk about a lot of weight gain in a short period. And notice the difference in hair and makeup.

I have been overweight my whole life. I dont even remember when i was in the 100# range. For the longest time I would tell myself that I can get this weight off. I would imagine me thin.... I was sick of not being able to walk long distances anymore, i was sick of being looked at in repulsion, I was sick of looking at me this way in a mirror. Sooooo, Four years ago, I decided that the best way for me to lose this weight was having gastric bypass. A lot of my friends were having it done. Then my mother in law and her best friend had a tandom surgery. I watched them have complication after complication. My husbad said NO WAY are you having this surgery. I still went to the meetings, and had all my evaluations done. I still was going to take the chance just so I could lose this weight. It was when my GP doctor called my Bariatric surgeon and had a talk with her about my hip problems and the type of meds I will always be dependent on that they decided for me to have the lapband. I never considered the lapband. I was told it is slow going and you dont lose as muchweight as someone who has the gastric bypass. Well, I have now lost 34lbs since March 29th <THE surgery my of day>and I could not be happier. I now know that I will make a difference in my life! I am happy that this decision was made for me instead of the gastric bypass.... Now my husband is considering doing the same thing!

I'm going gastric bypass. Insurance covers without doc supervised 6 month diet, thankfully. Saw that yours requires it. Ugh I'm so sorry.

Hey Dana, I'm Tammy. It is great to meet someone close as well. I live just south of raleigh in Fuquay Varina. My bypass is scheduled for October 2nd. I start my 2 week liquid diet tomorrow!!!!! I'd love to keep in touch and have a buddy to go thru this with. Tammy

Hello fellow weight loss friends! I have decided to capture a little bit about what I have been through, and my progress through through the sleeve process. I also thought it might be helpful for those of you transitioning between band and sleeve to have some info about what feels the same and what feels different. I am also, selfishly, wanting to capture some of the feelings and emotions I have had around the success and subsequent failure of my band while it is so fresh in my head. This is not meant as a complain session, but a reminder of all the reasons I NEVER want to weigh 360 pounds ever again! In April 2009, I had a successful Lap Band surgery, and was able to lose 120 pounds over the course of two years. I was so incredibly happy with the results, and often said it was the best decision I have ever made. To this day, despite the complication that came up for me, I am still not at all sorry I had surgery. I knew I wanted to have another baby, and the idea that I could adjust the band if I did get pregnant was very appealing. At the time, the notion that the band could be removed was also enticing, though it has become clear it was a tool that I really needed to be successful. In 2012, I did get pregnant again, and unlike my first pregnancy, everything was incredibly smooth. I had started kickboxing in 2010 and was able to keep that up through almost all of my gestation. At the end, I was just too big and my balance was off, so it wan't safe to try and be quite so intense in my exercise. The gestational diabetes that I dealt with during my first pregnancy did NOT return, my blood pressure was normal throughout, and I gained very little weight. It was amazing. I have birth to a big, healthy baby boy in Feb. 2013. Things took a dramatic turn for me in November 2013, however. I contracted a terrible stomach bug and threw up violently. Of course, I had the anti-nausea pills, and tried to take them, but just kept throwing them right back up over and over again. Unfortunately, I ended up with a perforated stomach and contracted severe peritonitis (as my stomach contents leaked into my peritoneal cavity.) Without going into great detail, I will just say that I was very sick and feel grateful to still be here today. I spent 6 nights in the hospital recovering and had to have the lap band removed at that time. It was the beginning of an unfortunate spiral for me. I tried very hard to continue to eat the same way without the band that I had been eating with it for the past five years. As my voracious hunger returned, that became harder and harder to do, and as each month slipped by, weight was returning. I had gone back to kickboxing, but had to quit again because of the surgery. I fell into a pretty deep depression about the whole situation and knew early on that I wanted to consider getting the sleeve surgery ASAP. All of the reasons I needed the Lap Band as a tool were still in me, and I knew having another Lap Band installed would be a foolish choice. My surgeon agreed, and approved me for sleeve surgery in April 2014. Then, my insurance denied the surgery. I was totally devastated. That was when the weight really started piling on. I felt to totally defeated. I know my behavior was just stupid and fueled by self-pity, but nevertheless, I ended up just shy of my original weight prior to lap band surgery. I appealed the decision, and ultimately won! (If anyone would like to see the letter to use as a template for your own appeal, I would be happy to share - just let me know). So, fast forward to yesterday at 5:00 a.m. I arrived at the hospital so excited to get my life back! I was nervous too, of course, but I am happy to report that despite some significant scar tissue and damage from the band, my Dr. was very happy with how the procedure went. I write this at the beginning of day two, and so far, I am feeling great. I have been up and walking several times yesterday and today. I will start liquids this morning and will likely get off the IV fluids shortly. I will spend one more night here at the hospital, and then will get to go home. I plan to take a week off of work and return a week from tomorrow. I know that is a little on the short side, but fortunately my job is not physically demanding, so I think I will be ok. My pain is totally manageable, I have had a little bit of nausea off and on, but the Dr. gave me some medicine that helped a great deal with that. No throwing up, which is good! My back is a little sore from spending so much time in bed, but really, I feel fantastic overall! I really do want to take a minute to capture all of the things that had resolved for me when I had lost the 120 pounds that came creeping back as I got heavy again. I never was skinny, but compared to 370 lbs., 244 felt like a dream! I wasn't sleeping well at night - I am sure my sleep apnea returned and I never woke up feeling rested. This resulted in tremendous fatigue that would last all the time, day in and day out. I was so uncomfortably hot all the time. Going to the grocery store was such a big ordeal. I would get so embarrassed about how sweaty I would get by the time I reached the check out line. My lower back hurt ALL THE TIME and my poor feet would just ache if I had to stand or walk for any longer than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Getting up off the floor when I was playing with my children practically took 20 minutes. I had to be so very careful or my knees would suffer for days. The same was true for getting up the stairs. If I didn't take one step at a time, my left knee would give out, and I would be in tremendous pain. I have had headaches, it seems, everyday. Although I don't know this for sure, I suspect my type 2 diabetes has returned. I will know when I get my pre-op blood work back. When I try to walk, my hips hurt so bad. I can't cross my legs anymore and self-care has become really awkward. ALL of these things had become a normal part of my life prior to the Lap Band surgery 5 years ago. Gaining the weight back so quickly really made these issues feel especially awful - they were NOT normal to me anymore and as each new symptom came up, my depression worsened. I turned to the drug I knew and loved - food - to make myself feel better. I am committed to using the sleeve as a tool in the same way I used the Lap Band. My hunger will be under control, which is an enormous key to success for me. I also said that the band was like a leash for my portions - I just could not eat very much, and that was ideal! I know that the sleeve will give me that same boundary. However, I think it is critical to say, neither the band nor the sleeve are an "easy way out." Quite the opposite. Nothing about starting over here is going to be easy. I have to make the decision every time I put food in my mouth - is this a good choice? Have I had enough Protein today? What SHOULD I be eating? Without strict adherence to my diet, I know I won't really be successful. However, after having such good luck with the band, I am truly confident I can have equally good and maybe even better results with my sleeve. I will try to keep a record of my progress and hope to be able to compare what I experience with the sleeve to what things were like with the band. So far, recovery as felt very similar. I guess I am more confident this time because some of this isn't completely "new." I always had some port pain, from the very beginning, with the Lap Band, and I have to say, I don't really have any pain at all right now. So I guess that means one mark in the win column for sleeve. Thanks for reading this, thanks for the support, and good luck to all of us on this journey. You are brave and amazing. I really do think it takes a great deal of courage to envision a different life for yourself, and even more courage to take the steps to make it happen. We can do this!!!!!!!

I have family members that have had bypass and always have problems. I have friends and friends of friends that have lap band. 3 out of 4 have problems. I spent 2 years researching the sleeve. My surgery is set for the 15 of this month.

Gastric Bypass Very excited about the future as I had my surgery this past Wednesday the 24th of May. I was duped into believing I would be back to work next week and after 4 days that's not gonna happen. I haven't any issues as of yet, liquids and broth all going down fine and the pop cycles are special. I look forward to a better me as I love playing with the grands. HW: 338 on February 27th SW: 289 on May 23rd GW: 190 or anywhere that I can play with the babies in the park

I had my sleeve done in Thailand on 4th September. I lost 9kg in first two weeks, lost another 6kg in following 2 weeks, then nothing for 3 weeks. Checked today and lost 1.5kg in last 2 weeks. Its very depressing when so much money has been spent to have this weight loss surgery done, but the results are not coming through. Is this normal. I have no support here, as I had my surgery done privately in Thailand. I have tried numerous dietitians and Nutritionists; who charge heaps but actually are no help. I did find on line the multivitamin called BN Multis, there are .co.nz and .co.au sites for them. They have a chewable multi specifically designed for Gastric sleeve and alike surgery and for a years supply I paid $300 nzd, which works out to be $25 per month - this is good value and especially for the multi designed for us !!! SO my weight loss is so slow, I cant each much and am constantly hungry, yet when I eat, what little I can eat, I then feel like vomiting - it feels a vicious circle ? anyone else feel like this, or have any suggestions? I know the Thyroid gland can go a bit squiffie after this type of surgery, so Im having that checked mid November. WOuld lovew some feedback and ideas to make the weight drop more. thanks

Hi everyone! This is my first post so I'm just going to jump right in... I had my surgery on 07/18 and I am down 16 pounds (without exercise). I plan to start walking and increasing my protein intake in hopes that the surgery along with my own efforts will make the surgery a success. Starting weight was 286 lbs. My goal weight is 190 to 200 lbs. I love reading everyone's stories. The good and the bad. Keep them coming ...as will I. Good night

I'm sorry you've had so many problems. Good luck with the bypass.

I guess my surgeon doesn't feel it's necessary to shrink the liver. He has done thousands of bypasses and lap-bands, so I assume he has the experience. He also claims a very low complication rate. So hopefully he knows what he's doing!

Hi everyone. I've been lurking in the shadows of this group for a few weeks now and finally decided that I should introduce myself. I've been amazed to learn all the stories of the brave people in this group. I'm just going to the informational seminar this next Friday so I'm really, really new to all of this. I know that I need some help with my weight and am hoping that WLS is the answer. My questions to you all: 1. if you had it to do over again, would you still choose the band over the bypass or other surgeries? 2. what has been the hardest part of the WLS, what has been the easiest? 3. what is the one thing that has helped you be successful? It's funny, I read all these posts (here and on Strugglingbandsters) about people being unhappy with thier slow weightloss. From my perspective sitting here in no-band land ANY weightloss is a gift. I guess it's all in your expectations. Well, thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. I look forward to getting to know you all. Megan from Minnesota

Thank you to each and everyone that replied. Like Alexandra I was told by my doctor that I could eat or drink anything that I could tolerate. It was only in my research that I found that carbonated beverages could cause medical problems and I wasnt sure if this information was directed to all gastric patients or bypass patients specifically. Of course I wouldnt go through the surgery and not follow the rules which is why I was inquiring. Thanks again for the information. Tied2BeFit

My surgeon commented that the sleeve surgery now is like the boob jobs in the '80's!! Everyone seems to be getting the sleeve but for many of us gastric bypass is the way to go!

Hi, I'm in Pensacola too. I was supposed to have my surgery with Dr. Lord but insurance wouldn't approve. I ended up having bypass in Mexico on June 20th Sent from my BE2028 using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m bypass would never have considered band & my surgeon said in 3013 they were considering taking them off market due to slippage.

I love, love, love my sleeve. Granted, my BMI was low compared to some others, but I have more than a few friends that have had bypass surgery. All but one (and she has had it most recently) have had substanstial regain. I have a 32 bougie, 85% of my stomach was removed FOREVER. I know if I had not made changes BEFORE sugery....I.E. grazing mainly, I would not have been as successful as I've been as quickly, but I don't possibly see how I could have the regain that my bypass friends have. (COULD WE TIFF??) Anyway, that's my two cents worth!!! All doctors have their opinions and bypass is STILL considered the gold standard of WLS, but I think that will end. I personally think that as DRASTIC as DS is, it would be considered the gold standard, I don't EVER hear about those folks regaining, but then again, you don't really run across many people going to that extreme very often. I know of one, and it is a co-worker of a friend. Good luck....and don't give in, find another doctor if need be. Do what FEELS right to YOU.

My Sister types for doctors and she had the Gastric bypass. When I asked her about the Sleeve she said she wishes she would have done the Sleeve instead of the Bypass. She has had a lot of problems with her bypass....gallstones, kidney stones...leakage and had to be cut open. She has gained a lot back...not as big as she was but she has gained. She had her surgery three years ago. She said the doctors in her area are leaning more for the Sleeve now because of the success they are seeing and less complications. I would suggest you read as much as you can! I'm sure you can google pros and cons! I haven't had my surgery yet but I'm EXCITED to be SLEEVED in December! My doctor told me....He will give me the TOOL to lose weight but it will be up to ME to use it correctly! SO, if you are Sleeved or Bypassed it will be up to you to keep off the weight. GOOD LUCK!!!!

....and I'm confident this is the right decision for me. That is, until I stop and think about the whole process of surgery and beyond. I worry that I will become hyper-conscious of what I will be eating from here on out, and that I will become obsessed with food. Of course, if I had been aware of what I was eating up to this point, I wouldn't be in this predicament, now would I? My surgeon tells me I am the perfect patient (although I suspect he says that to everyone LOL!) since I've lost 35 lbs so far. I don't have a pre-surgery diet, other than clear liquids the day before, and he doesn't think I will require a hernia repair, so it *should* be easy-breezy other than pain afterwards. >sigh!< I could ramble on and on... Please send any positive energy my way on Monday--I'll try to post when I'm out I surgery and back in my room! Best of luck, my November brothers and sisters!

I was told 10 years ago I needed replacement and look into bariatric surgery. I did not want a bypass at the time. I regretted not doing this sooner cause I would have been like most people...weight comes off pain goes away. I waited to long.

Why did your surgeon opt for sleeve instead of bypass if you have such bad reflux issues?

:laugh:I have been overweight my whole life. It seems like I have always been on a diet. I lose weight and gain it back. I am having the band on Monday and I am a big ball of emotions. I am finally going to take care of me. I forgot what that felt like. Weight is such an emotional thing and no one would undertand until they have been there. I have even decided to join a Overeaters Anonymous group to deal with the mental side of me being overweight. This is the beginning of my journey and I am embracing it with positivity. Now bring on November 3rd.:wub::mad2::thumbup:

Yay, I finally got a call about my sleep study. Has anyone done an at home sleep study? I am doing mine through Watermark. Unless they move it sooner, I will do it on November 30th. :scared2:

Is it possible to edit your screen name? HW 242, SW 236- Bypass 12/20/17 GW#1- 199 [emoji736]. GW#2- 175 CW 192 5’6”

I am so sorry to hear this[emoji53] that is very frustrating and imho that is unprofessional practices. You are working hard and you should not have to wait again. I do not understand the jelly/milk diet? Are you in the US? My weight management center does have surgical suites, but my dr does it in the hospital so his patients have the best care afterwards. I did have my egd done in the surgical suites at the weight management center. I understand you frustration with the waiting. I went in November last year for my consultation. They told me that my insurance would require me to lose at least 5 lbs and take 6 nutrition classes with 4 weeks in between each one. I had everything done by late Feb/ early March. They told me I had to bring my cpap with me and I said I havent been using it, because it seemed to strong. They said it was too old and they couldnt download the information from it or change it. So I had to go to neurology, and they ordered a home test. It did not give them results to conclude I no longer had sleep apnea. Then I had to go for a sleep study. 2 month wait for neurology, and a 4 month wait for the sleep study. Thankfully I no longer have it! I am now my 7th day post op. It has been a long, hard and frustrating road for me, so I can not even begin to know how you feel. You are not destined to die of obesity. Keep your head up and keep trudging along! My insurance company required me to lose 5 lb and I lost 25! Strive for better days ahead! Praying for you and hoping things get better. If you have any questions or even just to vent, lmk! I am happy to try to help!